Dual action locking buckle device

ABSTRACT

A strap buckle having a handle member rotatably connected to a base member about a first bolt, between an open position and a closed position. A second bolt is connected to the handle member between the first bolt and the handle member&#39;s distal end so that the second bolt rotates about the first bolt as the handle member is rotated between the open and closed positions. A sleeve is rotatably disposed around the second bolt. A strap is looped around the sleeve, with strap segments extending therefrom. When the buckle is in the open position, the strap segments extend past, but not around, the first bolt. When the buckle is in the closed position, the strap segments extend around the first bolt such that friction between the strap segments rounding the first bolt prevent movement of the strap in one direction, while allowing movement in the reverse direction.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/347,358, filed Jan. 11, 2002, and entitled Dual Action Locking Roller Pin Over Center Buckle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to buckle assemblies used for tensioning and locking a strap for tying down and securing loads to anchor points, and more particularly to a buckle device that allows the user to cinch the strap tight without having to release the buckle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Buckle devices for tensioned straps to secure loads are known in the art. Ideally, such devices allow the user to position the strap in a semi-tensioned state, lock the buckle to prevent the strap from moving in a reverse direction through the buckle, and still allow the strap to move in a forward direction so that user can pull the free end of the strap until the desired tension on the strap is achieved.

[0004] One such buckle device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,092 to Huang, which generally consists of a rotational retaining member having two shaft halves having a slit therebetween through which the free end of the strap extends. When the buckle is in its open position, the strap extends through the slit and around one of the shaft halves. The strap can be pulled through the open buckle by overcoming the frictional forces between the strap and the slit and one shaft half. When the buckle is in its closed position, the strap is wound almost completely around the retaining member and through the slit, with portions of the strap overlapping each other. Huang teaches that the strap is held in place yet still can be tightened by pulling on the strap free end because the friction between the strap and metal retaining member is smaller than the friction of the overlapping portions of the strap. However, in practice, it can still require a significant force to pull the strap through the slit and around the shaft half of the open buckle, even if the retaining member is made of a smooth metal and the strap is made of nylon. Moreover, it can also require an excessive force on the free end of the strap to pull it through the closed buckle, given that the user is overcoming significant frictional forces of rounding two orthogonal edges of the slit and sliding around both shaft halves. Still further, the Huang device uses a relatively intricate set of specialized parts to form the rotational retaining member (e.g. pair of shaft halves with polygonal studs and pin holes, side discs with polygonal holes, etc), which makes the bracket device rather complicated and expensive to make.

[0005] There is a need for a strap buckle design that minimizes the pulling force needed to move the strap through the buckle in its open position, that secures the strap from reverse movement in its closed position, and that minimizes the pulling force needed to cinch the strap tighter in the forward direction when the buckle is in its closed position. Such a buckle design should be simple in both design and operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is a buckle device that secures the strap from reverse movement, yet minimizes the pulling force needed to cinch the strap tight while the buckle is in its closed position.

[0007] The buckle device of the present invention includes a base member having opposing sidewalls and a distal end, a handle member having opposing arms and a distal end, a first bolt that rotatably connects the sidewalls to the arms so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other, a second bolt connected between the arms so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions, a sleeve rotatably disposed around one of the first and second bolts, and a strap looped around the sleeve with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom. With the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the other one of the first and second bolts. With the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the other one of the first and second bolts, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the other one of the first and second bolts, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the other one of the first and second bolts.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, the buckle device includes a base member having opposing sidewalls and a distal end, a handle member having opposing arms and a distal end, a first bolt that rotatably connects the sidewalls to the arms so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other, a second bolt connected between the arms so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions, wherein one of the first and second bolts is disposed closer to the base member distal end relative to the other one of the first and second bolts with the handle in the open position, and wherein the other one of the first and second bolts is disposed closer to the base member distal end relative to the one of the first and second bolts with the handle in the closed position, a sleeve rotatably disposed around the other one of the first and second bolts, and a strap looped around the sleeve with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom. With the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the one of the first and second bolts. With the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the one of the first and second bolts, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the one of the first and second bolts, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the one of the first and second bolts.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the buckle device includes a base member having a proximate end and a distal end, a handle member having a proximate end and a distal end, a first bolt that rotatably connects the proximate ends together so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other, a second bolt connected to the handle member at a position between the first bolt and the handle member proximate end so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions, a sleeve rotatably disposed around the second bolt, and a strap looped around the sleeve with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom. With the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the first bolt. With the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the first bolt, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the first bolt, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the first bolt.

[0010] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the specification, claims and appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its open position.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its closed position.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the buckle assembly of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its open position.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its closed position.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its open position.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the buckle assembly of the present invention, in its closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The buckle assembly 1 of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and includes a base member 10 pivotly attached to a handle member 30.

[0019] The base member 10 includes a base plate 12 with two opposing sidewalls 14 extending therefrom. Notches 16 creating engagement hooks 18 are formed in the sidewalls 14 near a distal end 10 a of base member 10. A first bolt 20 is connected between the sidewalls 14 near a proximate end 10 b of base member 10. Any conventional attachment scheme (e.g. rivet, bolt head, welding, etc.) can be used to secure bolt 20 to sidewalls 14. A pair of strap openings 22 are formed in base plate 12 near base member distal end 10 a, leaving a beam 24 formed therebetween. A single strap opening 26 is formed in the base plate 12 near proximate end 10 b.

[0020] The handle member 30 includes a pair of arm members 32 joined together by a support plate 34 near a distal end 30 a of handle member 30. The arms 32 include bolt holes 36 near a proximate end 30 b of handle member 30, through which first bolt 20 extends so that the proximate ends 10 b/30 b of base and handle members 10/30 are rotatably connected to each other about first bolt 20. Slots 38 are formed in arms 32 adjacent handle member distal end 30 a. A latch plate 40 includes engagement tabs 42 that slidably extend out through slots 38. A spring member 44 engaged between slots 38 and latch plate 40 biases plate 40 toward the handle member distal end 30 a. A second bolt 46 is connected between arms 32 at a position between first bolt 20 and handle member distal end 30 a. A hollow sleeve 48 is disposed around, and freely rotates about, second bolt 46 (i.e. the inner diameter of sleeve 48 is greater than the outer diameter of the second bolt 46).

[0021] The handle member 30 rotates relative to base member 10 between an open (unfolded) position and a closed (folded) position. FIG. 1 illustrates the handle member open position, where the distal ends 10 a/30 a are extended away from each other. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the handle member closed position, where the handle member 30 rotates about first bolt 20 and distal ends 10 a/30 a fold toward each other, until engagement tabs 42 snap into and engage with hooks 18 to secure handle member 30 in the closed position. To open the buckle back to its open position, the latch plate 40 is urged back against the resilient force of spring 44 until tabs 42 clear hooks 18, where the handle member 30 can then be rotated to the open position of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the strap paths for the buckle in both the open and closed positions. Specifically, a first strap 50 has a first end that terminates in a loop 52 that is connected around strap opening 26, and a second end that terminates in a second loop 54 connected around a load hook 56. Load hook 56 is shaped to easily engage with anchor points used to secure a load.

[0023] A second strap 58 has a first end 60 that is free and preferably (but not necessarily) terminates in a loop that is not connected to anything, and a second (load) end terminating in a loop 62 that is connected around a load hook 64. The second strap 58 is positioned in the buckle 1 as follows. With the buckle 1 in its open position, the free end 60 of strap 58 enters the buckle from the distal end 10 a through the first strap opening 22 and back up through the second strap opening 22 (i.e. around beam 24), and is fed underneath bolt 20, underneath and around hollow sleeve 48, back underneath bolt 20, and out of distal end 10 a of buckle 1, as shown in FIG. 4. In this position, the strap passes virtually unhindered past bolt 20 and is looped around hollow sleeve 48, with the sleeve 48 separating strap 58 into a free segment 58 a (extending out of the buckle and terminating in free end 60) and a load segment 58 b (extending out of the buckle and terminating in the load end 62). Sleeve 48 rotates freely about bolt 46 (e.g. one or both elements are formed of low friction materials, and may be lubricated), which allows the strap 58 (and sleeve 48) to move around second bolt 46 very easily. Thus, the strap 58 can be pulled through the buckle in this open position with minimum resistance by pulling on either the free end 60 or load end 62. Beam 24 helps keep the load segment of the strap properly referenced with respect to sleeve 48.

[0024]FIG. 5 illustrates the path of strap 58 when the buckle is moved to its closed position. By moving the buckle to this closed position, bolt/sleeve 46/48 are rotated around to the other side of bolt 20 (i.e. toward distal end 10 a), thereby wrapping both the free segment 58 a and load segment 58 b of the strap 58 around first bolt 20, with strap free segment 58 a disposed between first bolt 20 and load segment 58 b. In this configuration, the strap 58 can only move in a single direction. When the free segment of the strap is pulled, there is relatively low resistance with strap 58 offered by the first bolt 20, and very low resistance offered by the sleeve 48 (freely rotating about second bolt 46). As long as the load segment 58 b of strap 58 is not under tension, there is also very little friction between the free and load segments of the strap wrapped around first bolt 20 because these strap segments are not being pressed together. This allows the user to cinch the strap tight by pulling on the free end 60, even though the buckle is closed.

[0025] However, when the load segment of strap 58 is tensioned (e.g. pulled by forces from the load on the load end 62), the load segment 58 b of the strap rounding first bolt 20 bears down against the free segment 58 a of the strap rounding first bolt 20. In order for the strap to move toward the load end 62, the load and free segments of strap 58 rounding first bolt 20 (which are pressed together by the pulling force of the strap) would have to move in opposite directions. The high friction between these strap segments prevents such movement. The greater the pull force at the load end, the greater the force that presses these strap segments together (i.e. increasing the friction therebetween), thus preventing the strap from moving toward the load end. Should the load segment of the strap ever slacken, the user can cinch the strap tighter by pulling on the strap's free end without having to release the buckle from its close position.

[0026] The elements of buckle 1 are preferably made of any rigid and durable material, such as stainless steel or brass metal. The straps 50/58 are preferably made of woven nylon, polyester or any other man made and/or natural fiber.

[0027] The present invention provides for a buckle assembly that when in the closed position, minimizes frictional forces to allow the strap to move through the buckle in one direction, but maximizes frictional forces to prevent movement in the opposite direction. When the buckle is in its open position, the strap moves freely in both directions allowing the user to conveniently move the strap through the buckle. Moreover, the buckle of the present invention is made using simple mechanical parts (e.g. plates, bolts, sleeve, etc.) which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0028]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the handle rotates between the open and closed position about second (sleeved) bolt 46 (which is connected between base member sidewalls 14 and through apertures 36) instead of first (unsleeved) bolt 20 (which is connected between handle member arms 32). The orientation of the bolts 20/46 relative to each other are the same as described above for both the open and closed buckle positions. Namely, with the free and load segments of strap 58 entering the buckle at the distal end 10 a of base plate 10, and the buckle in its open position, the sleeved bolt 46 is disposed on the far side of the unsleeved bolt 20 relative to the distal end 10 a, with the strap looped around the sleeved bolt. And, when the buckle is moved to its closed position, one of the bolts 20/46 rotates about the other one so that the sleeved bolt 46 is closest to the distal end 10 a, with the strap looped around the sleeved bolt and with both the free and load segments 58 a/58 b of the strap 58 looped around the unsleeved bolt 20, and the free segment 58 a is between the unsleeved bolt 20 and the load segment58 b.

[0029] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described above and illustrated herein, but encompasses any and all variations falling within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while bolts 20/46 are shown to be round metallic members held in place with rivets and bolt heads, for the purposes of the present invention, these bolts can be any rigid member (e.g. rivets, pins, axles, or any other name denoting an elongated rigid member) connected to the base and handle members that allows the sleeve to freely rotate thereon and forces the free and load strap segments against each other in the buckle closed position. Further, straps 50/58 are shown terminating in loops, but any conventional means for attaching a strap end to hooks or buckles can be employed within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, elements such as hooks 18 and latch plate 40, or connection points such as first bolt 20 and bolt holes 36, etc., can be swapped between the base member 10 and handle member 30, without materially affecting the operation of the buckle. Sidewalls 14 and arms 32 are structurally the same in that they provide opposing rigid walls between which the bolts are connected. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A buckle device, comprising: a base member having opposing sidewalls and a distal end; a handle member having opposing arms and a distal end; a first bolt that rotatably connects the sidewalls to the arms so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other; a second bolt connected between the arms so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions; a sleeve rotatably disposed around one of the first and second bolts; and a strap looped around the sleeve, with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom; wherein with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the other one of the first and second bolts; and wherein with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the other one of the first and second bolts, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the other one of the first and second bolts, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the other one of the first and second bolts.
 2. The buckle device of claim 1, wherein: with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and toward the base member distal end; and with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and away from the base member distal end, around the other one of the first and second bolts, and then toward the base member distal end.
 3. The buckle device of claim 1, further comprising: hooks formed on one of the handle and base members; a latch plate slidably attached to the other of the handle and base members for engaging with the hooks as the handle member is positioned in the closed position.
 4. The buckle device of claim 3, further comprising: a spring for resiliently urging the latch plate toward the hooks as the handle member is positioned in the closed position.
 5. The buckle device of claim 1, wherein the base member further includes a base plate connected between the sidewalls with at least at least one strap opening formed therein, and wherein the strap load segment extends through the at least one strap opening.
 6. The buckle device of claim 1, wherein the base member further includes a base plate connected between the sidewalls with a pair of strap openings formed therein, and wherein the strap load segment extends through the strap openings.
 7. The buckle device of claim 1, further comprising: a second strap having a first end connected to the base member.
 8. The buckle device of claim 7, wherein: the strap load segment terminates in an end that is connected to a hook member; and the second strap having a second end that is connected to a hook member.
 9. A buckle device, comprising: a base member having opposing sidewalls and a distal end; a handle member having opposing arms and a distal end; a first bolt that rotatably connects the sidewalls to the arms so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other; a second bolt connected between the arms so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions, wherein one of the first and second bolts is disposed closer to the base member distal end relative to the other one of the first and second bolts with the handle in the open position, and wherein the other one of the first and second bolts is disposed closer to the base member distal end relative to the one of the first and second bolts with the handle in the closed position; a sleeve rotatably disposed around the other one of the first and second bolts; and a strap looped around the sleeve, with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom; wherein with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the one of the first and second bolts; and wherein with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the one of the first and second bolts, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the one of the first and second bolts, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the one of the first and second bolts.
 10. The buckle device of claim 9, wherein: with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and toward the base member distal end; and with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and away from the base member distal end, around the one of the first and second bolts, and then toward the base member distal end.
 11. The buckle device of claim 9, further comprising: hooks formed on one of the handle and base members; a latch plate slidably attached to the other of the handle and base members for engaging with the hooks as the handle member is positioned in the closed position.
 12. The buckle device of claim 11, further comprising: a spring for resiliently urging the latch plate toward the hooks as the handle member is positioned in the closed position.
 13. The buckle device of claim 9, wherein the base member further includes a base plate connected between the sidewalls with at least at least one strap opening formed therein, and wherein the strap load segment extends through the at least one strap opening.
 14. The buckle device of claim 9, wherein the base member further includes a base plate connected between the sidewalls with a pair of strap openings formed therein, and wherein the strap load segment extends through the strap openings.
 15. The buckle device of claim 9, further comprising: a second strap having a first end connected to the base member.
 16. The buckle device of claim 15, wherein: the strap load segment terminates in an end that is connected to a hook member; and the second strap having a second end that is connected to a hook member.
 17. A buckle device, comprising: a base member having a proximate end and a distal end; a handle member having a proximate end and a distal end; a first bolt that rotatably connects the proximate ends together so that the handle member rotates relative to the base member about the first bolt between an open position with the distal ends separated from each other and a closed position with the distal ends positioned adjacent to each other; a second bolt connected to the handle member at a position between the first bolt and the handle member proximate end so that the second bolt rotates around the first bolt as the handle rotates between the open and closed positions; a sleeve rotatably disposed around the second bolt; and a strap looped around the sleeve, with a free segment and a load segment of the strap extending therefrom; wherein with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend past, but not around, the first bolt; and wherein with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend around the first bolt, with the free segment disposed between the load segment and the first bolt, such that the strap is allowed to move around the sleeve as the free segment is pulled but is prevented from moving around the sleeve as the load segment is pulled by friction between the free and load segments extending around the first bolt.
 18. The buckle device of claim 17, wherein: with the handle member in the open position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and toward the base member distal end; and with the handle member in the closed position, the free and load segments extend away from the sleeve and away from the base member distal end, around the first bolt, and then toward the base member distal end.
 19. The buckle device of claim 17, further comprising: hooks formed on the base member; a latch plate slidably attached to the handle member for engaging with the hooks as the handle member is positioned in the closed position.
 20. The buckle device of claim 19, further comprising: a spring for resiliently urging the latch plate toward the distal end of the handle member.
 21. The buckle device of claim 17, wherein the base member further includes a base plate with a pair of strap openings formed therein, and wherein the strap load segment extends through the strap openings.
 22. The buckle device of claim 21, further comprising: a second strap having a first end connected to the base plate.
 23. The buckle device of claim 22, wherein: the strap load segment terminates in an end that is connected to a hook member; and the second strap having a second end that is connected to a hook member. 